Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
FDR says isolation from war is possible, but global war creates unavoidable risks.
In plain terms
We can avoid war, but if war exists everywhere, we may still get pulled in.
What can you take from it?
Complete isolation is hard when conflict exists globally.

Where it applies

  • defense policy
  • international relations

Putting it to work

  • balance isolation with engagement
  • assess global risks

Questions to consider

  • Can a nation truly isolate itself?
  • What obligations exist in a global conflict?

Another view

It assumes isolation is a valid option even when global conflicts escalate.

More from Franklin Delano Roosevelt

  1. Many who have visited me in Washington in the past few months may have been surprised when I have told them that personally and because of my own daily contact…

    Permalink to quote #43
  2. I have seen war. I have seen war on land and sea. I have seen blood running from the wounded. I have seen men coughing out their gassed lungs. I have seen the …

    Permalink to quote #45
  3. There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given. Of other generations much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rende…

    Permalink to quote #42

Related quotes

  1. You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.

    Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein quote #263
  2. We've spent a lot of blood and treasure here. We regard Iraq's success to be our success. And God forbid, Iraq's failure will also be ours.

    Zalmay KhalilzadZalmay Khalilzad quote #1
  3. The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government.

    James K. PolkJames K. Polk quote #4